The Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Senator Tijjani Yahaya Kaura has attributed the gains so far recorded in enthroning transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector to the intervention by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).
He noted that NEITI’s intervention in the management of Nigeria’s extractive sector has saved the sector from imminent collapse, while speaking in Abuja when NEITI appeared before the Committee to defend its 2018 budget proposal.
Senator Kaura maintained that the monumental corruption that characterized the oil and gas industry since inception has resulted in a situation where the natural resources became a curse rather than a blessing to the citizens.
“We are aware of the courageous work that NEITI has done and the sanity that its intervention has brought to the sector in spite of mounting challenges. NEITI’s bold and courageous disclosures have drawn attention and beamed the torch light on the sector that is the lifeline of the nation”, the Senator stated.
Mr Waziri Adio, Executive Secretary of NEITI, while presenting the agency’s budget, appealed for support in ensuring adequate appropriation so that it will continue to deliver in its mandate. He reaffirmed NEITI’s commitment to remain professional in confronting institutional, governance and man-made obstacles that frustrate transparency and accountability in the extractive sector especially the oil and gas industry.
Mr. Adio, according to a statement by the agency’s Director, Communications and Advocacy, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, identified the “automation of NEITI audit process, timely and regular reporting, and multi-stakeholders’ mobilization towards using the EITI framework for reforms” as key priorities.
He appealed to the National Assembly to “Ensure that NEITI reports are publicly debated at plenary sessions of the Senate and House of Representatives, and to also ensure that remediation occurs. “This will guarantee that the on-going reforms in the sector championed by NEITI’s advocacy impact the citizenry”, Adio said.
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